Crapo: Artificial Deadline Rushes Climate Change Bill

Bill clears EPW Committee with incomplete cost estimates

Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee issued this statement following Committee action today to pass a climate change cap and trade bill. The bill was reported out of committee with no Republican members present.

"There is absolutely no reason, other than trying to meet an artificial deadline for international audiences, to move this bill so quickly without sufficient cost analysis and public review," Crapo said, noting that neither the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office or the Environmental Protection Agency has yet to conclude an analysis of the legislation. "If some Senators wish to proceed with this deeply flawed approach, they ought to explain that approach to the American people and tell them how much it will cost. The public has consistently stated that it expects Congress to take the time necessary to get legislation done properly and carefully, and the American people want transparency."